Speculation has mounted over the past few days that the Premier League Champions could make a £35 million bid for the 20-year-old next summer with Manuel Pellegrini looking to add the youngster to an already strong looking midfield.

Pearce suggests the move could be dangerous for Barkley’s developments and uses Jack Rodwell as an example of what can happen to a young player if they move to a big club before they are ready.

”Jack Rodwell went to Manchester City and never really featured,” the Nottingham Forest boss told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast. “He wasted a season or two, instead of playing at Everton a little while longer.

”My advice to Ross would be, ‘sit tight, you’ve got a manager [in Roberto Martinez] who backs good young players’. You’ll always have the option to move away [at a later date] if your form is good.”

Although the former Nottingham Forest defender would like the England international to remain at Goodison Park, he expects the midfielder to leave if City submit a £50 million bid.

”If Everton get offered £50million then he’ll end up going to Manchester City,” he added.